11/19/2025
Great job to this young hero!!!!!
A 9-year-old boy in North Carolina acted quickly to save his friend from choking during recess at Raleigh Oak Charter School. Jayceon Branch was playing basketball with 7-year-old Donye Moore when Moore began choking on a granola bar, according to surveillance footage reported by WRAL News.
The video shows Jayceon immediately performing the Heimlich maneuver, wrapping his arms around Donye and giving two compressions that helped the young boy expel the food and breathe again. Reflecting on the moment, Jayceon said, “I didn’t know he was actually choking, so I just did my thing, which was a Heimlich.”
Jayceon revealed that he had learned the life-saving technique from a YouTube video, inspired by a teacher who had previously helped another student using the same method. His quick thinking and calm response under pressure prevented what could have been a fatal situation.
Teachers, parents, and the school community have praised Jayceon for his courage and initiative. Eric Johnson, the executive director of the school, said, “We teach our kids to take care of each other, and Jayceon just jumped into action so quickly. We’re really proud of him.”
Jayceon’s story is a powerful reminder of how knowledge, preparation, and bravery—even at a young age—can save lives.
